The $100,000 purse is on the line, and the 18 beginning competitors of the Women's U.S. Open of Surfing have become the 12, heading into the next heat.

Among the final 12 was 2009 Women's champ Courtney Conlogue of Santa Ana, who won the first heat of the competition. Reigning Women's champ Carissa Moore of Hawaii, who last month wrapped up the 2011 Assn. of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Women's World Title, also was still in the running as of Wednesday.

The Women's semifinals and finals heats are Sunday.

The other 10 finalists in the running for the Women's title were 2007 U.S.

Open Women's champ Stephanie Gilmore (Australia), 2006 winner Sofia Mulanovich (Peru), Tyler Wright (USA), Silvana Lima (Brazil), Lakey Peterson (USA), Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia), Laura Enever (Australia), Melanie Bartels (Hawaii), 2008 Pro Junior Women's winner Coco Ho (Hawaii) and Rebecca Woods (Australia).